Business
Tradition meets luxury at Occidental Eden’s Christmas Cake Mixing
In a harmonious fusion of time-honoured tradition and opulent luxury, Occidental Hotels Sri Lanka achieved a historic milestone at the esteemed Occidental Eden Beruwala, hosting their inaugural Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony on the 01st of November 2023.
The event unfolded within the sumptuous confines of the all-day dining restaurant, ‘Garden of Eden.’ At the heart of this enchanting event, Occidental Eden Beruwala proudly featured its team of talented chefs, led by their Executive Chef, whose culinary expertise knows no bounds. With their artistry and dedication, they ensured that the tradition was not just preserved but elevated to new heights.
The event witnessed the harmonious fusion of aromatic spices, succulent fruits, and premium spirits, uniting all guests to an extraordinary affair. The gentle touch of the golden mile in Beruwala, added an extra layer of enchantment, elevating the Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony into a sensory delight that excelled the culinary boundaries.
Among an exclusive gathering of esteemed in-house guests, international dignitaries, key figures from the travel industry, staff members, loyal patrons, and well-wishers, this event transformed into an exquisite tapestry interwoven with the threads of togetherness, cherished moments, a symphony of laughter, and the eager anticipation of the forthcoming holiday season.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Miguel Mateos, Commercial Director Middle East & APAC, Barceló Hotel Group, expressed his excitement about the occasion. He said, “This grand-scale event not only marks a significant milestone for Occidental Eden Beruwala, but also serves as a demonstration of the resilience of unity, amid diversity, showcasing the strong ties that connect Occidental Hotels Sri Lanka and the prestigious Barceló Hotel Group.
Drawing inspiration from Sri Lanka’s rich art, culture, and captivating landscapes, and the distinctive design elements, Occidental Eden Beruwala provide the perfect backdrop for this time-honored tradition. Much like the artful blending of ingredients in our Christmas cake mix, this event encapsulates the enchantment that arises when the diverse strands of our community unite, each adding their distinct essence to craft something truly extraordinary.”
Occidental Eden Beruwala, the latest jewel in the Barceló Hotel Group portfolio in Sri Lanka, was formerly known as Eden Resort and Spa, Beruwala, owned by Browns Investments and managed by the world-renowned Barceló Hotel Group under their Occidental brand. Following the success of Occidental Paradise Dambulla’s opening in 2019, Occidental Eden Beruwala reinforces the group’s dedication to offering world-class hospitality in this beautiful island nation. As Occidental Eden Beruwala continues to captivate travelers with its harmonious blend of tradition, culture, and contemporary luxury, it emerges as an esteemed destination for all those seeking an unparalleled island escape.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
